FG grants China approval to establish electric vehicle factories

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has stressed the need for stronger cooperation between China and Nigeria in tapping into the country’s solid minerals wealth by establishing electric vehicle (EV) factories locally.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Ambassador Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s industrial growth, describing the country as a key partner in China’s foreign policy agenda.

According to a statement by the minister’s media aide, Segun Tomori, the envoy said both nations should build on the momentum from the recent meeting between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping, where bilateral relations were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Dunhai revealed that plans were underway for Chinese investors to set up EV factories and other industrial ventures in Nigeria. “China values Nigeria’s abundant natural resources and market size. Our companies are already active in the mining sector, and we aim to expand this, particularly in line with President Tinubu’s economic diversification drive through solid minerals,” he said.

Minister Alake, in his remarks, declared Nigeria’s readiness for genuine investors willing to commit to full-cycle investments, from mineral extraction to local processing. He insisted that Nigeria would no longer export raw materials for foreign industrialisation without adding value locally.

“For years, our resources have been shipped out raw. That era is over. We now prioritise local processing to fuel our economic growth. With the abundance of lithium, for instance, we expect to see local production of electric vehicle batteries and assembly plants,” Alake stated.

The ambassador also assured the minister of China’s zero-tolerance policy for illegal mining, affirming that the embassy regularly warns Chinese businesses to comply with Nigerian laws, embrace corporate social responsibility, and maintain environmental standards.

Responding to recent concerns about illegal activities by some operators, Alake acknowledged the generally positive contributions of Chinese firms but cautioned against the actions of a few bad actors. He cited a viral video implicating a Chinese national in a bribery incident as an example of conduct that undermines legitimate efforts.

“We have taken firm action against offenders, both local and foreign, and the Mining Marshals established to tackle illegal mining have improved compliance significantly,” Alake added.

The meeting further reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening economic collaboration, especially in the mining, manufacturing, and clean energy sectors.